Colorado Principal Resigns After Delivering A Plagiarized Speech

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By
Paul Johnson

Story Created:
Jun 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM MDT

Story Updated:
Jun 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM MDT

Mead, Colorado (CNN) - A local high school principal has resigned after plagiarizing a best-selling book during his speech to graduating seniors.According to the Longmont Times-Call, Mead High School principal Troy Snyder took more than half of his speech from ‘Lean In’, a New York Times bestseller, which was written by Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg.Though the St. Vrain Valley Superintendent confirmed the plagiarism and resignation to the Times-Call, district representatives refused multiple requests for information and comment by FOX31 Denver.The news caught students like Haley Abbott by surprise. As a freshman last fall, Abbott says she had to learn the student handbook, which prohibits plagiarism among students.YouTube video from graduation shows Snyder on stage as students gave their speeches. Though video of Snyder’s speech was not posted online, the Times-Call reported that a member of the public notified the district that Snyder plagiarized more than half of his speech from the book.“That’s a little odd. I mean, I drive truck for a living and I wouldn’t even do that,” said James Abbott, Haley’s father. “He’s an educator. He’s supposed to be somebody that our children look up to.”James Abbott says he is happy with one thing. He’s glad Snyder faced his mistake.“I agree that he was man enough to resign,” Abbott said.